Trapital

Oscar Hoglund, co-founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound, dives into the intersection of music and the creator economy. He reveals how AI is transforming music discovery and adaptation, ensuring artists are fairly compensated. Oscar discusses Epidemic Sound's unique revenue model and the challenges of navigating investor relations. He also highlights trends in content creation and the necessity for innovation in artist compensation, emphasizing the vital role of technology in fostering creativity in today’s saturated market.

Liz Dilts Marshall, Senior Finance Correspondent for Billboard, dives into the complexities of the music industry's economic landscape. She explores the rising investor interest in music assets despite geopolitical tensions. The discussion delves into how tariffs impact touring and live music, alongside the resilience of music revenues in fluctuating markets. Marshall compares today's music value to that of 1999, shedding light on modern consumption habits and the challenges artists face in a streaming-dominated world. A must-listen for anyone in the music business!

Tati Cirisano, an analyst at MIDiA Research, shares her expertise on the future of live music. The discussion kicks off with a thrilling draft of 2025's top music festivals like Glastonbury and their unique lineups. They dive into standout stadium and arena tours, exploring the artistry behind successful residencies. The conversation further delves into the dynamics of overperformers and underperformers in the industry. Expect fascinating insights into cultural moments and how they shape live music selection, all while predicting Spotify's top artist by 2025.

There are millions of companies worldwide that use personal music streaming accounts for their businesses’ music. But if those companies had the business-level streaming they should, it would add billions of annual revenue to the industry. So why isn’t this a priority? Well, it’s a priority for today’s guest, Ola Sars. He’s the founder and CEO of Soundtrack, which has been solving this problem for ten years. His business spun out of Spotify to tackle the SMB opportunity. He brought us under the hood to talk about how he convinces business to use his service, his revenue, churn, and plans for the future. 03:49 How Big is the B2B Market 13:04 Soundtrack’s Products and GTM 21:58 B2B vs Consumer Streaming Economics 25:54 How Labels Feel About Soundtrack Trapital Summit: September 10 in LA. Get your tickets here! This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

Everyone’s talking about “superfans,” but artist management companies have been focused on their top fans for quite some time. We sat down with Jonathan Daniel from Crush Music. They manage Green Day, Miley Cyrus, Sia, Weezer, Fall Out Boy, Train, and others. We talk about Coachella, touring strategies, how they use data, business ventures and more. I also ask JD about acquisition offers, why they focus on rock and pop acts, and a whole lot more. We dive into the realities of managing creatives, building trust within teams, and striking the balance between creative freedom and structure. We also introduced a new segment to the show called “Market Moves” with our producer, Eric! 00:28 Coachella highlights 08:12 Touring Strategies and Challenges 19:12 Business Ventures and Sync Opportunities 33:45 Why Crush focuses on Rock and Pop 35:40 Market Moves This episode is presented by State Farm, the home for your small business needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Listen in for our Chartmetric Stat of the Week. Trapital Summit - Super Early Bird Tix Available Until 4/30.

Join George Karalexis and Donna Budica, co-founders of Ten2 Media, as they dive into the art of thriving on YouTube. They discuss the importance of diversifying content formats and strategies to boost artist revenue. The duo emphasizes the necessity of audience engagement and long-term planning to maximize visibility. They also explore the comparison between YouTube and Spotify, revealing how YouTube's potential for monetization can outshine traditional streaming platforms, transforming musicians' careers in the digital era.

It’s time for a Trapital Mailbag! We dive into hot topics like the Coachella’s payment plan debate, Tubi’s strategy under Fox, Meta vs the FTC, Lucian Grainge’s tenure at UMG, and a special section on how we use AI tools at Trapital!00:55 Coachella Payment Plans07:07 Tubi's Long-Term Strategy15:42 Lucian Grange's Impact on UMG26:14 Meta and the FTC: A Legal Battle29:47 AI Tools for TrapitalTrapital Summit tickets here: early bird tickets until April 30!Want to be featured in the next partner spotlight? podcast@trapital.comSummit partnership opportunities: summit@trapital.co

Peter Sinclair, Co-founder and CEO of BeatBread, specializes in providing financial solutions for artists. He discusses TikTok's precarious position amid the U.S.-China trade war, exploring its cultural and commercial implications. The conversation highlights the potential outcomes for TikTok, from ownership changes to possible bans. Sinclair also introduces beatBread's innovative Deal Comparison Tool, which helps artists and labels analyze financial options for better decision-making in the music industry.

Sam Duboff, Spotify's Head of Marketing & Policy for Music, dives into the complexities of music payouts revealed in the Loud and Clear report. He discusses Spotify's impressive $10 billion contribution to the industry, emphasizing the financial benefits for independent artists who now earn over 50% of total payouts. The conversation also covers the evolving role of major and emerging artists in the streaming era, the challenges of artist contracts, and the importance of transparency in shaping a fairer music ecosystem.

Mark Mulligan, CEO and founder of MIDiA Research, unpacks the complexities of the 2024 music streaming landscape. He discusses how growth trends vary between major labels and indie artists, especially in emerging markets. The conversation reveals how expanding rights could empower artists and enhance their control. Mulligan also highlights the changing dynamics of independent music, the impact of the pandemic on creativity, and the evolving music publishing scene, especially concerning royalties for indie labels.